What makes The Signal by Urthboy notable?

This album significantly impacted the Australian music landscape, charting well and receiving critical acclaim for its depth and authenticity. It solidified Urthboy's reputation as a prominent voice in hip-hop, influencing subsequent artists and contributing to the genre's evolution in Australia. The Signal, Urthboy's second album, arrived in 2007 following the success of his debut, Spitshine. At this point in his career, Urthboy was establishing himself as a key player in the Australian hip-hop scene, leveraging his unique voice and perspective to connect with a growing audience.

How many songs are on The Signal?

The Signal has 13 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

The Signal

Urthboy · 2007

56 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of Australian hip-hop and introspective lyricism layered over eclectic beats.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nuthin I’d Rather Do — This track encapsulates Urthboy's signature blend of catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics, showcasing his ability to address personal themes within an engaging soundscape.
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We Get Around — With its infectious rhythm and clever wordplay, this track highlights Urthboy's lyrical prowess while reflecting on social dynamics in urban settings.
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Black Dog — This introspective piece delves into mental health themes, offering a raw and honest portrayal that resonates deeply with listeners navigating similar struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant beats with introspective lyrics, showcasing Urthboy's unique voice in Australian hip-hop.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered production, while the subsequent tracks introduce more introspective themes and slower beats.
Several tracks incorporate diverse instrumentation, including strings and electronic elements, which contribute to the eclectic soundscape.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Black Dog

The verse shifts to describe the weight of depression using vivid imagery that reflects internal battles without directly naming them.

This choice to evoke rather than state allows listeners to engage with the emotional landscape on a personal level, making the struggle feel palpable.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Signal 3:52
2 Nuthin I’d Rather Do 3:50
3 To the Bank 4:02
4 We Get Around 3:49
5 The Clocks 6:02
6 I Forgot to Say 4:17
7 Over Before It Began 3:52
8 The Wrong One 4:53
9 Black Dog 3:39
10 Hold Court 3:50
11 Modern Day Folk 4:42
12 Megaphone Stallone 4:56
13 No Other 4:32

What to play next

Listen next

Spitshine

2009

Go back to

Distant Sense of Random Menace

2004

Full Urthboy discography Artists like Urthboy

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata